Saturday, April 2

You may have heard of maypoles, but have you ever danced around one? In olden times, people built a tall pole to symbolize a tree. Long strands of material hung down and were symbolically walked around the maypole. Similar to old fashioned May Day flower garlands, it was a way to celebrate the return of warm weather and the growth of new crops. 
 
Exactly where and why maypoles first started is debated. Some people trace it to German origins, others Irish. Most agree, though, that it was a gleeful celebration at the coming of the new season and thus prosperity. Find spring beauty among our perennials.